In Wuchang, those who love peace are very pleased at two excellent proclamations put out by the Wuchang prefect. One is in two character couplets, it forbids and threatens with punishment those who invent rumours, put up threatening notices, all bad enaracters, wandering "braves," kidnappers, drunkards, sorcerers, disturbers of the peace, all theatrical shows, public gatherings, conjurors, gamblers, storytellers, wicked beggars, and wandering' priests.
A second proclamation in four character couplets orders all opium dens and teashops to close and put out lights at 9 o'clock; that all the street barriers are to be closed at midnight and only those who carry lanterns be allowed to pass them, that all inns and teashops be searched for bad characters; and states that, any houses where rebels are hidden will be forfeited to the Government. Temples must be carefully scrutinied, the local tipao and weiyuans are made responsible for any trouble and are ordered to keep a continual watch in the streets. Larking is strictly prohibited.
The Viceroy has issued a long proclamation saying he has received orders from Peking to protect foreign merchants and Christian Churches. "In obedience to these commands he has consulted with Liu K'un-yi, Viceroy of Liangkiang and they have told the foreign consuls that if no foreign gunboats are sent up the river they will hold themselves responsible for the' protection of all foreigners. Although up to the present no trouble has arisen in this part of China, it must be remembered that the trouble caused by the Boxers was not anticipated, and that it is most necessary that all secret societies be suppressed. The Viceroy calls upon all the gentry and men of influence to be zealous in exhorting the people to prevent trouble and to put down all wild rumours, as the slightest disturbance may lead to most serious consequences. Soldiers have been sent to guard all the Christian Churches and any one causing any disturbance will be promptly executed. It then goes on to point out what an advantage it will be to the kingdom if the people by law-abiding conduct, prevent the coming of foreign gunboats and troops.
It would be possible to fill columns with accounts of rumours, but no good would be gained by so doing. In spite of the serious news that reaches us from Shanghai and the North, we are convinced the local officials are determined to prevent trouble and are powerful enough to carry out their determination.
2nd July.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.